Urban Planning and Community Advisor for Climate Resilient Urbanisation

CAREER OPPORTUNITY  

The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH is the implementing agency of the Federal Republic of Germany for technical and international cooperation. It offers flexible, sustainable and effective solutions in political, economic and social change processes. Most of the work of GIZ is commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). GIZ also operates on behalf of other German ministries as well as public and private bodies in Germany and abroad. These include the European Commission, the United Nations, the World Bank and governments of other countries.  

The Just and Climate Resilient Urbanization and Decentralisation (CitiZen+D) programme supports the Government of Zambia in advancing climate-resilient urbanization. The programme's objective is to ensure that selected municipalities in Zambia are better equipped to implement approaches for just and climate-resilient urban development.

In partnership with the Cabinet Office, the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, and the municipalities of Livingstone, Choma, Mazabuka, Mansa, and Samfya, the programme operates at both national and sub-national levels, including grassroots structures for citizen participation. Utilizing a multi-level strategy, the programme's specific objectives aim to:

• Strengthen the planning capacities of municipalities for just and climate-resilient urban development.
• Improve the financial capacities of selected municipalities for just and climate-resilient urban development.
• Enhance the participation of civil society actors in the implementation of just and climate-resilient urban development.
• Improve the technical dialogue between state and civil society actors on successful approaches to just and climate-resilient urban development. 

In this context, the project is seeking a suitable candidate for the following position:  

Urban Planning and Community Advisor for Climate Resilient Urbanisation _Salary Band 4 (based in Mansa)  

REF: GIZ_CitiZen+D_UPCA

Main tasks and responsibilities:

We are seeking an experienced and results-oriented expert to support the urban planning and development capacities of local government and selected municipalities in Luapula Province. The expert will play a key role in strengthening processes and mechanisms to foster climate resilient, inclusive, and citizen-oriented urban planning and development with a specific focus on unplanned and informal settlements.  

• Support local authorities in developing comprehensive local area plans that align with climate-resilient development objectives
• Champion the integration of nature-based solutions and climate-resilient approaches into planning frameworks at the district level and ensure compliance with environmental protection standards
• Build local capacity (local government staff, community leaders, and development practitioners) for sustainable planning practices
• Participate in strategic planning processes and provide technical input on planning components of broader development strategies
• Support dialogue between local authorities and communities and ensure inclusive and citizen-oriented planning and development approaches.
• Cooperate with civil society organisations in the context of urban development in informal settlements
• Contribute to experience sharing and scaling up of successful procedures and lessons learned on national level and in other provinces
• Ensuring ongoing and close cooperation and coordination with other programme components, in specific local finances/budgeting, citizen participation
• Develop Terms of References (ToRs) and recruit and guide consulting missions.
• Prepare inputs and contributions to the M&E system, to PR products, and reports as required by the programme
• Strengthen the programmes performance in thematic areas such as gender, inclusion, community engagement, and equity 

Qualifications and Requirements: 

• Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, Geography, or a related field.
• Master’s degree or equivalent in Urban Planning, Geography, or a related field is an added advantage
•  Applicants must be affiliated with the Zambia Institute of Planners (ZIP)
• Applicants are expected to have their academic certificates verified by Zambia Qualifications Authority  

Professional experience: 

• Minimum of 7 years of professional experience in participatory urban planning, urban development, community engagement, Nature-based Solutions in urbanization or participatory use of GIS
• Participatory Planning: Demonstrated experience in coordinating multi-stakeholder processes and community-centred planning approaches that ensure equitable and inclusive spatial interventions
• Cultural Competency: Understanding of local governance structures, traditional leadership systems, and community dynamics in Zambian contexts
•  Legal Framework Understanding: Comprehensive knowledge of Zambia's planning legislation, policy frameworks, and regulatory requirements to ensure compliance and sustainable implementation
•  Informal Settlement Planning and Community Engagement: Hands-on experience with informal settlement upgrading strategies, incorporating community-based approaches and participatory design methodologies
• Climate Adaptation: Practical experience in integrating climate vulnerability assessments and adaptation strategies into spatial planning processes
• GIS, Digital planning Tools and Spatial Analysis: Advanced proficiency in GIS software and digital planning tools to design adaptive, climate-resilient land use frameworks and conduct comprehensive spatial analysis
• Data Management: Experience with spatial databases, planning information systems, and data visualization tools to support evidence-based planning decisions
• Experience in project based work environment and teams including reporting, M&E, capacity development etc 

Other knowledge and additional competences: 

• Experience in working in intercultural teams and an international setting
• Fluency in English is required;
• Knowledge of local languages is a plus 

The successful candidate will be expected to start employment with GIZ, on a fixed term contract.  

Application deadline: 11 October 2026 

Please understand, that we can only accept and process applications via our E-recruiting system. Applications should meet the following criteria:

• Cover letter quoting the reference: REF (GIZ_CitiZen+D_UPCA) must be uploaded using font type Arial, size 11. In the first paragraph, please outline your motivation for applying for the position. In the second paragraph, outline your experience in the position.
• CVs must be submitted in PDF not exceeding three (3) pages. Do not indicate your marital status, religion, political affiliation or insert your photo.
• Certificates, qualifications, etc. must not be attached to the application.
• Traceable references of previous engagements must be provided.  

GIZ is a signatory of the Diversity Charter. Recognition, appreciation and inclusion of diversity in the company are important to us. All employees shall be valued - regardless of gender and gender identity, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, social background or age. 

GIZ would like to increase the proportion of employees with disability. People with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.